Effects of early re-spacing on the physical and mechanical properties of Sitka spruce structural timber

The effects of early re-spacing on the physical and mechanical properties of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis [Bong.] Carr.) structural-dimensioned timber were studied using material from a fully replicated 57-year-old trial located in Northern Ireland, which had been thinned at age 11 years. Basic density, distortion (spring, twist and bow), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) in bending of structural timber from four different re-spacing treatments (1.83 m × 3.66 m, 3.66 m × 3.66 m, 3.66 m × 5.49 m and 5.49 m × 5.49 m) were compared with those of timber from a control (1.83 m × 1.83 m). Re-spacing intensity had a significant effect on both modulus of elasticity (p = 0.006) and modulus of rupture (p = 0.009), but not on basic density (p = 0.379) or distortion (p > 0.200). Timber from the two widest re-spacing treatments failed to meet the requirements for the C14 strength class, while timber from the control met the requirements for the C16 strength class. Both MOE and MOR were significantly and negatively associated with knot size and frequency, which in turn increased with re-spacing intensity. Overall, re-spacing intensity only explained approximately 10% of the total amount of variation in both MOE and MOR, with most of the variation due to inter- and intra-tree differences within a treatment. Based on these results, re-spacing of Sitka spruce to a residual stand density of less than 900 trees/ha (3.33 m × 3.33 m) is not recommended if the goal of management is to produce C16 structural timber.     

Root growth in Sitka spruce and Douglas-fir transplants: dependence on the shoot and stored carbohydrates

When dormant Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) transplants were lifted from the nursery in March and transferred to favorable growing conditions in a controlled environment chamber, new roots emerged and elongated even when the plants were bark-ringed so that the roots could not receive metabolites from the shoot by phloem translocation. Carbohydrate analysis showed that starch reserves in the roots of the bark-ringed plants were depleted, indicating that these reserves provided the energy source for new root growth. The shoot also had a role in new root growth as excised root systems showed greatly reduced root growth. This response is compared to that of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) in which bark-ringing prevented root growth indicating that current photosynthate is needed for new root growth. The findings are discussed in relation to the problems of establishing these species in forest plantations.     

Effects of rotation length on the grade recovery and wood properties of Sitka spruce structural timber grown in Great Britain

Context   

Rotation length is known to affect timber quality in many plantation species, but its effect on the properties of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) structural timber has not been quantified.     

Interception of precipitation by pole-stage Sitka spruce and lodgepole pine and mature Sitka spruce at Kielder Forest, Northumberland

Interception loss was measured indirectly for 3 years in adjacentunthinned 25-year-old stands of Sitka spruce and lodgepole pineand for 2 years in a 63-year-old selectively thinned stand ofSitka spruce. For each stand measurements were made of grossprecipitation, throughfall and stemflow. Interception loss wasderived by subtracting the sum of throughfall and stemflow (netprecipitation) from gross precipitation. For the years 1977–78, 1978–79 and 1979–80,interception losses in the pole-stage Sitka spruce were 32,28 and 27 per cent of gross precipitation respectively whilethose in the lodgepole pine were 33, 29 and 26 per cent. For1979–80 and 1980–81 interception losses in the matureSitka spruce were 44 and 53 per cent of gross precipitation.The average interception loss was 29 per cent for both pole-stagecrops and 49 per cent for mature Sitka spruce. The proportions of net precipitation reaching the ground asstemflow and throughfall were 0.18 and 0.82 respectively forthe pole-stage Sitka spruce, 0.14 and 0.86 for the pole-stagelodepole pine and 0.02 and 0.98 for the mature Sitka spruce.     

Differences in mycorrhizal status among clones of Sitka spruce

Cuttings of Sitka spruce clones with the same maternal parentage were rooted under mist and examined after they had been grown for a year in a forest nursery. All short roots were found to be mycorrhizal, but one clone differed from the others in the proportion of the roots colonized by different mycorrhizal fungi. Substantial clonal differences in root morphology were partially explained by these mycorrhizal differences. The significance of the host-fungus genotype interaction is discussed.     

Vibrational properties of Sitka spruce heat-treated in nitrogen gas

Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis Carr.) wood was heated for 0.5–16.Oh at temperatures of 120°–200°C in nitrogen gas or air. The values for Young's modulus, shear modulus, and loss tangent were measured by free-free flexural vibration tests. X-ray diffractometry was carried out to estimate the crystallinity index and crystallite width. The results obtained are as follows: (1) Density decreased at higher temperatures and longer heating times. The specific Young's modulus, specific shear modulus, crystallinity index, and crystallite width increased during the initial stage and were constant after this stage at 120°C and 160°C, whereas they increased during the initial stage and decreased later when the temperature was high. Loss tangent in the longitudinal direction increased under all conditions, whereas that in the radial direction increased at 120°C and decreased at 160°C and 200°C. (2) From the relation between Young's modulus and moisture content, it can be safely said that Young's modulus is increased by the crystallization and the decrement in equilibrium moisture content, and that crystallization (rather than degradation) is predominant at the initial stage of the heat treatment, whereas the latter is predominant as the heating time increases. (3) It is implied that the specific Young's modulus, specific shear modulus, crystallinity index, and crystallite width decreased more in air than in nitrogen gas because of oxidation in air.This study was presented in part at the 43th Annual Meeting of Japan Wood Research Society at Morioka, August 1993, the 44th Annual Meeting of Japan Wood Research Society at Nara, April 1994, and the 45th Annual Meeting of Japan Wood Research Society at Tokyo, April 1995     

Within- and between-stand variation in selected properties of Sitka spruce sawn timber in the UK: implications for segregation and grade recovery

Context

Information on wood properties variation is needed by forest growers and timber processors to best utilise the available forest resource and to guide future management.

Aim

This study aims to quantify the variation in selected properties of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) structural timber.

Methods

Twelve harvest-age stands were selected, ten trees per site were felled and processed into 301 logs. Dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE_dyn) was measured on each tree and log using portable acoustic instruments. Logs were processed into structural timber and its MOE and bending strength was determined.

Results

Overall, the timber satisfied the MOE, bending strength and density requirements for the C16 strength class. Approximately 25 % of the total variation in timber mechanical properties was attributed to between-stand differences, with the remaining 75 % attributed to within-stand differences. A series of equations were developed to predict site, tree and log-level variation in timber properties.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the site and stand factors that are associated with differences in timber properties can assist with segregation of the current resource. Portable acoustic tools can also be used to increase the stiffness of sawn timber by segregating out individual trees and logs that will yield low stiffness timber.     

Analysis of fungal endophytes in Scottish Sitka spruce plantations shows extensive infections,novel host partners and gives insights into origins

This preliminary study identified the fungal endophytes of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) in four Scottish plantations, analysed their recruitment possibilities and community structure across the sites, and identified the possible origins of the endophytes in this non‐native host. Although Sitka spruce is native to north‐western North America, it comprises a huge portion of Scottish forestry and is an economically vital timber tree. Needles from two age classes were collected and cultured for emerging endophyte isolates. Using a combination of morphological features and genetic sequencing of the nuclear ribosomal ITS regions of representative morphological types, 57 morphotypes were recorded which represented at least 15 different species, including a hypothesized sister species to the pathogen of Pseudotsuga menziesii in North America and Europe, Nothophaeocryptopus gaeumannii (previously P. gaeumannii) that was present at all sites tested. Diversity, recruitment, site, needle age and needle part effects are discussed. The phylogeny of Nothophaeocryptopus based on analysis of combined ITS and Tub2 sequence data is given in order to assess the relationship of the unknown endophyte to the Douglas fir pathogen N. gaeumannii.     

Bending and shear properties of compressed Sitka spruce

We examined the bending and shear properties of compressed wood using small and clear specimens of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis Carr.). For measuring the bending properties, three-point bending tests were conducted under the span/depth ratio of 14, which is standardized in the American Society for Testing and Materials [ASTM D143-94 (2005a)] and Japanese Industrial Standards [JIS Z2101-94 (1994)]. In the bending test, the load, deflection at the midspan, and strain at the bottom of the midspan were simultaneously measured, and Young’s modulus and bending strength were obtained by elementary beam theory. For obtaining the shear modulus and shear strength, asymmetric four-point bending tests were conducted using the specimens with rectangular and side-grooved cross sections, respectively, and the influence of the compression ratio on the shear properties was examined. The results are summarized as follows: (1) Young’s modulus increased with increasing compression ratio when it was determined by the load–strain relation. Nevertheless, this tendency was rather obscured when Young’s modulus was determined by the load–deflection relation. Hence, it is preferable that Young’s modulus is measured from the load–strain relation. (2) The shear modulus in the longitudinal–tangential plane was maximum at the compression ratio of 50%, whereas that in the longitudinal–radial plane was minimum at the compression ratio of 50%. (3) The influence of the compression on the bending and shear strength ratio was not significant.     

Autumn frost damage: clonal variation in Sitka spruce

Current-year needles of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) can be injured by frost after hardening of stem and buds in the autumn, and in Scotland trees of southern provenances are most susceptible to damage. In October 1993 a frost of −5°C caused needle damage to clonal plants of Alaskan, Queen Charlotte Islands, and Washington provenances of Sitka spruce that had been selected for variation in the onset of root dormancy. Visual damage assessment revealed significant differences among clones in the severity of damage, and this damage was positively correlated with the lateness of root dormancy. Measurement of electrolyte leakage from shoot samples confirmed the observed differences between clones. The large clonal differences in frost hardiness found in this study demonstrate a potential for selecting frost tolerant trees from within southern provenances of Sitka spruce.     

Effects of seed size on seedling attributes in Sitka spruce

No statistically-significant effects of size (small and large) of wind-pollinated seeds from 18 seed-orchard clones could be found in the attributes of 8-month-old seedlings of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.). Clonal variations in seedling attributes was highly significant (P < 0.01), but these variations were within regional specifications for operationally-produced nursery stock.     

Regeneration dynamics of Sitka spruce in artificially created forest gaps

This study examined the variation in the development of naturally regenerated and planted seedlings of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) within gaps cut in a 32-year-old stand of the same species. The circular gaps were 20 m in diameter and designed to allow sunlight into only half of the gap floor at midsummer given the latitude of 56°45′N. Eight plots (8 m × 3 m) were laid out along a north–south transect through each gap (four within the gap and two each under the closed canopy north and south of the gap). Each plot was sub-divided and seedlings were planted into one part and the other part was left to naturally regenerate. In subsequent seasons, plots were further subdivided into ‘weed free’ and ‘vegetation left untouched’. Results showed that while the two central plots within the gaps had the highest value of canopy openness, the highest accumulated temperature and lowest soil moisture were recorded in plots that received direct sunlight. However, level of germination was significantly higher in the shaded area of the gap than in the part that received direct sunshine suggesting that higher moisture levels in shaded areas are important to successful germination. Minimal germination was recorded in the plots beneath the canopy. Seedling survival was significantly influenced by the influx of competing vegetation, but only in the part of the gaps that received direct sunlight. The success of Sitka spruce regeneration within gaps appears to depend on sufficient moisture and light to support regeneration and early growth, but not too much light to encourage the development of competing vegetation. The permanently shaded areas of the gaps appeared to offer ground conditions with sufficient moisture and light to ensure successful germination and early growth of seedlings, but without excessive competition from other vegetation.     

Influence of early re-spacing on Sitka spruce branch structure

• Context   

The frequency, size, and insertion angle of primary branches are important determinants of wood quality and can be significantly influenced by silvicultural activities.     

Quality of timber products from Norway spruce

Summary In a previous paper in this series it was concluded that the warp (twist, crook and bow) of structural timber products is of utmost importance for end-user satisfaction. In this paper, a study of the spatial variation of warp of fast-grown Norway spruce is presented. The material, 372 studs (45 × 70 × 2900 mm²), was cut from different radial and longitudinal positions in trees from two stands.The results indicated that twist and crook were at maximum near the pith. However, twist decreased much more rapidly with the distance from pith compared with crook. Crook associated with core studs was larger in the butt log than in the top log, while twist and bow in core studs appeared not to vary longitudinally. Heartwood formation in the butt log juvenile core did not diminish warp propensity. Twist was rather well correlated to the distance between pith and centroid of cross section. The ratio of grain angle to pith distance was the best parameter to predict twist. Presence of compression wood increased bow and crook significantly, while ring width, density and knot area ratio did not substantially contribute to explain warp variation.A moisture content change from 18% to 12% decreased the overall acceptability, expressed by stud grade yield, from 76% to 43%. Thus, timber products should be delivered at a moisture level close to the one expected in the finalized building in order to avoid excessive warp after delivery.The authors gratefully acknowledge the support from EEC Forest programme, Contract No MA2B-0024, from NUTEK project No 9100554 and from Södra Timber AB     

Quality of timber products from Norway spruce

Summary Strength and stiffness together with some properties characterizing the stand and the growth of trees were studied. Specimens (45 × 70 × 2900 mm³) were cut from different radial and longitudinal positions, from fast-grown trees from two stands in southern Sweden. These trees had relatively large annual rings (4–6 mm) and were not representative of Norway spruce in Sweden but are an example of the intensivelymanaged stands which will probably constitute a substantial part of the raw material supply in the future.The results indicate that the mean values for strength and stiffness were lowest for the core studs and increased further away from the pith. This radial variation in strength and stiffness appears to be associated with the variation in ring width. Density alone, on the other hand, does not explain the radial variation but should be used together with either ring width or knot area ratio to explain the stiffness and strength respectively. The increase in the strength and stiffness of the core studs from the butt logs to the top logs was significant. Density alone was found to be the best variable to explain the longitudinal variation between the butt logs and the top logs. The heartwood formation in the butt log juvenile core appeared not to have a positive effect on strength and stiffness. The occurrence of compression wood, the magnitude of grain angle and the margin knot area ratio had only a minor effect on strength and stiffness.The authors gratefully acknowledge the support received from the EEC forest research programme, Contract no MA2B-0024, from NUTEK, project no 9100554 and from Södra Timber AB